Shout for joy!
Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. (Psalm 10:1-2)
A drought here holds us hostage. Our grass faded to a brown crisp, my flowers crave daily doses of water, and the heat/humidity combination brings acute discomfort and chronic grumpiness.
I confess–I whine about it. As surrounding counties experience some relief with daily storms, I grouse over their blessings while we remain parched. Yesterday was no exception as a storm cloud dumped another load of rain on a nearby town (five days in a row to our zero).
Thankfully, my ears listened as hubby quietly reminded me, “But the rain is a blessing for them.”
Ouch–he was right (as he often is). I complained about what we didn’t have–envious and angry that someone else received the blessing of rain and we were overlooked (again).
A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. (Proverbs 14:30)
That’s a double ouch.
As I processed my husband’s gentle chastisement, I prayed–confessed my sin of envy and anger, asked for mercy and forgiveness, and thanked God for the blessing of rain to all who received.
Psalm 100
Recently, in Sunday School, we read Psalm 100, the encouragement to shout for joy and worship with gladness reminded me of our Father’s majesty and glory. The rest of the passage further spoke to my heart.
Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his, we are the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. (Psalm 100:3-5)
I’m so thankful for God’s Word. His message this morning was just what I needed to remind me of my sin of envy and our Lord’s loving faithfulness.
There is hope
At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived, and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. (Titus 3:3-5)
Shout for joy!
In worship this morning we sang praise songs and traditional hymns. The joy in my heart at God’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness burst forth in song.
And another praise?
We received rain!
Is there an unexpected joy and blessing you’ve experienced recently? Please share to brighten our day.
The “dog days of summer” often present challenges for us. Impatience, resentment, and grumpiness can interfere with our faith journey. And as you show here, God always responds with blessings. Not always on our time table, but He does respond in a big way.
I agree, Candyce, these hot, dry days when our grass and flowers wither, the horses mope, and I feel sort of withered, too, the grumpiness sets in. As you point out, God’s time table differs from ours. He teaches me patience and I squirm (because I know I need that lesson). Thank you, dear friend, for sharing your thoughts.
summer heat and dryness can get us down,for sure! I’m so glad you’ve gotten some rain now. thank yo for the reminder to praise God even at difficult times!
Kathy, I need that reminder, too, as our weather quickly turned back to hot, parched days. But I know He will send rain in His timing. Those will be showers of blessing! Wishing you an exciting and successful launch. I’m reading Hoofprints of Hope now–it’s awesome!
In every circumstance, choose joy! Easier said than done, but a mantra I try to remember.
I strive to remember that mantra each day as well, Diana. We are so blessed–especially in the trials–because He is with us!
Sometimes I’m deaf to my complaining and need someone to shine a light on my blindspot—or deaf spot. Thankful God provides the grace to realign our hearts with His.
Well said, Debbie! I experience those blind and deaf spots, too. Like you, I’m so grateful for His mercy, grace, and love.
Thanks for sharing, Katherine. I have to remind myself of the verse: Give thanks IN all circumstances, and not FOR all circumstances. I’m grateful because God is with me and for me in all things each moment.
Yes, Joni, I also need that reminder–thank you for sharing. We are so blessed that our faithful and loving Father is always with us.
I catch myself complaining sometimes when others get a blessing that I didn’t. When I realize, I confess and give a thanks for those blessings. Great message and reminder. Thanks Katherine
Unfortunately, as our drought continues in severity and another heat wave has descended, I’ve found myself complaining again about our lack of rain. My flowers will soon die–I just can’t keep using so much water to keep them alive. I know our Father will send rain in His time. I just need that ongoing reminder that His time is not my time. Peace and blessings, Yvonne.